An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture

Andrew Davis wrote a great little book on An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture. You can get it on Kindle or you can actually download it for free.

Andrew Davis has memorized 42 books of the Bible, so when he writes something on it, I think we need to listen.

Book Overview

Prepare to embark on one of the most rewarding exercises of spiritual and mental labor anyone could ever attempt. Many Christians have at least a few Bible verses committed to memory, but An Approach to Extended Memorization of Scripture encourages Christians to ramp up Scripture memorization. Daily procedures and techniques guide the reader through memorizing entire chapters and books of the Bible at one time. Author and pastor Dr. Andrew Davis has used these proven method to commit 35 books of the Bible to memory over the course of his ministry.

Favorite Quotes

Meditating on Scripture continually (“day and night” or “all day long”) is very difficult without memorization.

If we do not forget the Word of God after we’ve read it but rather continually gazing into its truth, what does it mean but to remember it?

However, the Word of God must enter us through our MIND—through our understanding—in order to change our hearts. Thus we are to meditate deeply on Scripture in order to understand it better, so that our hearts may be changed.

Once the passage is memorized, a lifetime of reflection is now available through ongoing review… while driving on long trips, while walking on beaches, while conversing with friends, memorized verses can flow from you and cause a deepening of understanding.

Thus, memorizing books leads to a constant discovery of new insights, which keeps love for the Word vibrant and thrilling.

Choose a book that God has used in the past to minister to you, and that you think would be most useful in your personal walk with Christ and in your ministry to others.

“Lord, having sought you in prayer, I believe that you have led me to memorize (name of the book) . I now dedicate myself to begin this task with your help and for your glory. I commit myself to memorizing this by (date) .”

Always give priority in your mind to the retaining of old verses even over the learning of new ones.

Read each new verse ten times, covering each words as though photographing it with your eyes.

However, to “weed the garden,” once a week, read through the book, looking at each verse carefully with your eyes. This will be in lieu of your “old verses next, altogether” daily task. This simple discipline will correct errors—this will “weed the garden.”